RAMALLAH, May 17, 2026 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, alongside the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, issued a joint statement marking the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, highlighting major changes in Palestine’s communications sector over the past three years.
The statement noted a significant shift toward fiber-optic internet services, with subscriptions to FTTH fiber-optic internet reaching about 327,000 users in 2025, an increase of roughly 27% compared to 2024. This growth has been accompanied by a gradual decline in reliance on older DSL connections, reflecting a broader transition toward more efficient and reliable digital infrastructure.
According to the statement, this trend underscores ongoing efforts to modernize telecommunications networks to support the expansion of the digital economy and e-government services across the State of Palestine.
The report also emphasized the central role of the ICT sector in development, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where internet access has become increasingly vital for communication, education, and humanitarian coordination amid worsening conditions.
However, data from a labor force survey conducted between September and October 2025 showed stark disparities. In Gaza, about 71% of residents aged 10 and above managed to access the internet at least once, though only 11% had stable access, while 29% had no access at all.
The survey also highlighted severe infrastructure challenges: 98% reported weak coverage, 97% experienced frequent outages, and 77% said mobile networks were disrupted or too weak to support internet use. Additionally, 73% said they faced danger while attempting to access connectivity.
Meanwhile, smartphone ownership among Gaza residents aged 10 and above fell from about 58% in 2023 to 35% in 2025. In contrast, the rate in the West Bank reached about 86% in early 2026, reflecting a significantly stronger communications environment and greater access to digital services.
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